Starting salaries will increase an average of 3.4 percent next year, according to Robert Half International’s (NYSE: RHI) 2012 Salary Guide. Technology positions are projected to see the largest gains among the fields listed in the report.

According to the guide, starting salaries for technology workers will rise by 4.5 percent in 2012. Accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to grow an average 3.5 percent. Professionals in creative fields can expect average starting salary gains of 3.5 percent in 2012. In the legal field, starting salaries are anticipated to rise 1.9 percent. Overall starting salaries for administrative professionals are expected to rise 3.4 percent in 2012.

“Businesses seek professionals who can help them enhance their technology and accounting infrastructures,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. “For many firms, the question isn't whether to implement improvements but how quickly they can find the talent to do so.”